UNCCD warns of 30% increase in global drought frequency

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has reported that the frequency and duration of droughts have increased by nearly 30% since the year 2000. This trend is affecting regions previously considered less vulnerable, including the Amazon.

During the 17th UN Conference to Combat Desertification (COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, UNCCD Executive Secretary Yasmine Fouad emphasized the need for rapid, concrete action to prevent impacts from spreading to more communities and economies. Projections suggest that by 2050, three out of four people globally could be affected by these conditions, with global water demand expected to exceed supply by up to 40% by 2030.